National Republican., 1887-01-29

Mr.. Jefferson, on the I'd Of July, 1907, TO
issue his proclamation interdicting all
British armed ships from our ports, and for
bidding them the use and privileges Of our
harbors and waters. The proclamation
made reference to the outrages and aggres-
sions as the consideration requiring It. The
President having interposed this precau-
tionary interdict, lost no time In lnstructlng
our minister at London to demand the
satisfaction due for these aggresslons and
insults, while reminding the British gov
ernment that in 1906 assurances were given
this government that instructions were
Issued to British naval commanders to OBJ
serve the greatest care In preserving the
citizens Of the United States from any
molestatlon or injury, and that Immediate
and prompt redress would be afforded for
all injuries sustained.
In 1908 England sent to Washington a
special ambassador, Mr.. Rose, for the ai-
justment of all difficulties and differences
especially arising from the outrage COM
mitted by the Leopard on the Chesapeake.
On his arrival Mr.. Rose informed Mr.. Mad
ison, Secretary Of State, that his instruc-
upon any negotiations so long as the Presi-
dents proclamation Of interdction (lSnown
as the non.intercourse act) remained In
force To this surprising request Mr.. Mad.
ison replied that before the proclamation OF
the President could become subject OF
consideration satisfaction should be made
for the acknowledged aggression which
preceded 1t, and which was In accordance
with the usage of Great Britain In similar
cases.
A long correspondence ensued, in which
the British ministers resorted to every spe-
cies Of subterfuge, evasion, equivocatiou,
and delay that could be set up, while refus.
ing, in fact, to abandon the right Of search
and impressment Of our seameu, and which
Congress fully set forth with all these out
RACES in April, 1879, as cause for the
declaration Of war which followed.
These facts are presented, and are essen.
tial, that we may see to-day how we stand
on similar issue with the government OF
| Great Britain. In the present case 1t Is for
the Canadians TO commit some overt act
which would authorize the President to is
sue his proclamation. In that event It
would be far from being considered cause
Of war by England, and would most prob
ably hasten amlcable negotiations without
England upholds Canada in continued fu.
ture violation Of treaty obligations.
1t has been suggested that England Is
willing 10 back up Canada, in order to
engender bad blood and strife between her
people and the Americans, as 1t is known
that there is large party In Canada in favor
Of annexation to the United States, which
might thus be checked. 1t has also been
semi-ofllcially said that, while England
would be glad to get rid of the protectorate
Of the dominion, provided they would be-
come and remain an Independent govern
ment, 1t would not countenance annexa-
tion to the United States, because adding
to our power and defense in case Of war.
1t is but just to state that the position
taken by Senator Frye in behalf of the rights
of our fishermen in his mastery speeches
on this question have not only been in
structive to this government Of its duties,
but has awakened spirit Of patriotism
among the people that ranks him as one of
the foremost statesmen OF this country and
caused the American Senate to give a
| unanimous vote In favor of this measure,